开云体育

On Wed, Dec 18, 2024 at 09:18 AM, <avishekaiyar@...> wrote:

Chip,

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Got it. Looks like the mount I am interested in picking up has the older saddle which cannot accommodate Vixen plates.

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So I guess my options are as follows:

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1. Replace current saddle with the one you recommended(OR)

2. Get the Losmandy D style dovetail and use existing saddle.?

3. 1+2

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Is the above accurate??

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Thanks.

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Avi

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There is really nothing wrong with the original Losmandy saddles, they are beautifully made and work very well as long as you only use Losmandy "D" dovetails or use a Losmandy D to V adapter.? But if you are going to do all that why not just replace the original D saddle with the newer dual D/V and you're done.?

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The "D" only saddles are great if your scopes are all larger, longer and heavier but for smaller scopes maybe up to 100mm they are probably overkill unless your scope has split rings and a wider base suitable foe a D style dovetail.? That said I switched out my lovely vintage tapered single clamp Losmandy saddles for the modern Brutalist 8" double clamp D/V saddles because they can accommodate the smaller Vixen dovetails and have more reliable clamping grip as things get cold and damp.? For most people this is not a problem as long as you don't go out in the very cold and/or routinely check the saddle clamps as the night goes on.? This issue not unique to Losmandy, any saddle made from aluminum that uses a steel threaded fastener to supply the clamping force will display this issue and having two clamps and more surface area increases clamping reliability.? ?

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So my suggestion is to buy once cry once and go with option #1 and use dovetail mounting hardware that is appropriate for the optic and any imaging payload.? Most scopes loaded for visual use over 24"-30" tip to tail will feel better mounted with a Losmandy dovetail under them.? Add imaging gear or a larger heavier optic like an 8" or larger SCT or a refractor over 100mm and imaging gear and a Losmandy dovetail fees right.? Even my fast 90mm f/5.6 petzval once loaded for imaging with APS-C camera, filter wheel, focus motor piggybacked 50mm guide scope and camera as well a lighted flip flap panel is a lot better with a long Losmandy D dovetail.? They have a much firmer balance and can be used extra long to achieve proper balance of the assembled imaging system.? The bespoke Parallax/AT130mm f/6 SDT is nearly twice as long and weighs 20 pounds more and definitely needs a Losmandy dovetail.? ?

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Use the right tools and you will be a lot happier in any endeavor worth doing.? Just saying.

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